Celebrating Memorial Day at Lido Beach Club with Friends and Family

Friends and Family Gather at Lido Beach Club

Lido Beach Club is located directly on Lido Beach, Sarasota Florida, right next door to the Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences. My friend and customer, Marsha Albert and her husband Bob purchased their unit in 2000. The Alberts enjoy the amenities of the Lido beach living and their family visits often. Marsha and I have been friends for over 30 years so Scott, Snuffy and I were included in the Alberts family gathering on Memorial Day. Pictured are Marsha's daughter Lesli Kay, The Bold and the Beautiful with her children, Jackson and Alec Coulouris and brother Michael Pushkin. Zelda Pushkin is Lesli's niece and Snuffy often writes about her on his friends page. Zelda's parents are David, an artist, and Grace Pushkin of New York City, Marsha's son and daughter-in-law.

We didn't see much of Jackson this weekend because David was giving his nephew an art class. A model drove to Lido from her home in Bradenton to pose for this 7 year old protege. David has a new business on the horizon! He's an excellent artist and teacher. New Yorkers get out those checkbooks and call David Pushkin for a private art class.

Michael Pushkin, "Uncle Mike", Marsha's youngest son, grew up with my son Scott. They attended elementary, junior high and high school together. Michael once saved Scott's life in the parking lot of George Washington High School. The boys haven't seen each other in years. Mike is pictured with his nephew Alec.

Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen soldiers, enjoy our family and old friends -- a day of remembrance of hardship, struggles, sacrifice and HOPE!

If you thought you saw a celebrity on St. Armands Circle, this weekend, you probably did. You can catch Lesli Kay as Felicia Forrester from 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EST. Lesli took care of my kids when she was a teenager and worked at my shop, Kitchen Kaboodle too. I'm quite proud to call Lesli my friend, a wonderful mamma and an accomplished actress!

Million Dollar Homes in Sarasota, Florida

Million Dollar Homes in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key Florida

Inspired by CNN Money.com's quarterly million dollar homes articles, here are some Sarasota neighborhoods to start your million dollar home picks for Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key Florida.

West of the Trail's quaint neighborhood is one of our favorite places in Sarasota. Restaurants and shops in the Hillview area offer a wide variety for customers of Sam Snead's, Morton's Gourmet Market, and Knick's Tavern to name a few. Homes in this area range from old Florida to newly constructed homes and mega mansions on the water. See what a million buys you West of the Trail.

Siesta Key, one of Sarasota's barrier island is popular with beachgoers, vacationers and retirees. This family beach is famous for its "whitest" sand. In 2004, it was almost impossible to view more than four homes if you were shopping for real estate. Now see the inventory available and what your cool million affords you. Click for Siesta Key million dollar homes.

Longboat Key, known for its beautifully manicured tropical landscaping and beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, offers its residents shopping for million dollar homes quite at selection since prices have adjusted. Here are some homes on Longboat Key where you can spend your million.

For more information and a custom list of homes available in the Sarasota MLS, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email with your parameters.

Venice Beach - Best Renourished Beach

Venice Beach
Condos for Sale on Renourished Venice Beach

According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the City of Venice, Florida was notified by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association that it had been honored for the renourishment project on Venice Beach. The project started in 2005 and was just completed a few weeks ago.

Venice Beach is not as crowded as Siesta Key and Longboat Key and preferred by many who want a beach lifestyle. Venice Beach's newest luxury condominium is Beleza built in 2005. The Sarasota MLS list five condos in Beleza. Prices range from $1,495,000 to our listing on the 7th floor priced at $1,750,000. Views from the spacious terraces of this Venice condo of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach, bay and city are spectacular. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath unit has over 2000 sq.ft and residents enjoy the amenities: private elevator, lobby, club room, fitness room, pool & spa and garage. Being sold designer turnkey furnished.

Call Annette Smith for information on Sarasota homes, Venetian Golf & River Club listings and condos for sale on Venice Beach or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Sarasota Florida real estate.

Sarasota Named to Relocate America's Best Places to Live 2008 List

Relocate America's 11th Annual Top 100 Places To Live was just announced and Sarasota Florida is in the Top 100. Relocate America accepts nominations for each city and town throughout the United States to be considered as a "great place to live". Each nominating party must include "reasons why they feel their city should make the list. The nominations, along with key data regarding education, environmental greenworthiness, economic opportunity, parks & recreation choices and real estate & home ownership options are reviewed, rated & judged by Relocate America's editorial team" before announcing the list.

Top 10 Cities 2008:

Charlotte, North Carolina
San Antonio, Texas
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Greenville, South Carolina
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Asheville, North Carolina
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Huntsville, Alabama
Seattle, Washington

Click to see entire Best Places to Live 2008 list.

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced Under $500,000

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced Under $500,000

If you've been thinking of retiring to Florida now that real estate prices have dropped, you may be amazed to know that there are golf course homes in Sarasota in some of the nicest communities for under $500,000. You can find these homes in the gated communities of University Park, Laurel Oak Estates, Oaks, Prestancia and Venetian Golf & River Club.

University Park has inventory available under $500,000 in its gated golf community with prices ranging from $349,000 for a 2017 sq.ft. villa to a homes with 2739 sq.ft. and a lagoon view priced at $499,500. In Laurel Oak Estates, buyers will find only two listings priced under $500,000 and maintenance free. Check with your real estate agent to see what the fees include.

Homes in Oaks are rarely available under $500,000 and currently the Sarasota MLS data reports three available homes which are maintenance free. Again, check to see what is included in your maintenance fees.

Prestancia's inventory is higher and there is quite a selection of homes under $500,000. Residents at Prestancia enjoy the TPA golf course and guard gated privacy in a convenient location.

Venetian Golf & River Club in North Venice, FL has a nice inventory of available homes under $500,000 also. Prices start at $219,900 in this gated community for a two bedroom, two bath villa.

If you are looking for a Sarasota golf course home, The Venetian Golf & River Club offers its residents a championship golf course, one main and two additional dining rooms, lounge, cabana bar without outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, tennis courts, pro shop, two resort swimming pools, nature park and canoe launch. The new Golf Club is now open.

Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Sarasota' Syesha Mercado Hometown Idol

Sarasota's American Idol Returns Home

Friday the top three contestants on American Idol returned to their hometowns. Sarasota Florida's Syesha Mercado returned home to dazzle crowds in Sarasota and Bradenton. Syesha belted out "Proud Mary" at an afternoon concert outside the waterfront Ca d'Zhan Mansion of the Ringling Museum. After multiple concerts, interviews, autograph signings and visits to Bradenton where she grew up and Booker High School where she graduated, Syesha will prepare for the American Idol finals on Tuesday night. Congratulations Syesha, you've made Sarasota proud!

Postcards from Siesta Key

Bring a Camera When Searching for Siesta Key Homes

Take a walk or ride along Beach Road and Midnight Pass for a tour of the tropical paradise, Siesta Key. Residents of Siesta Key enjoy walking, biking, beach activities, fishing, painting, and just relaxing. Snuffy Smith and I take our camera on all our walks and this Key provides ample opportunity for photo clicks. Postcard scenes of children playing on the beach, the Siesta Key drum circle on Sundays and dolphin dipping in the Gulf are typical sights for shutter bugs.
Snuffy isn't happy that doggies aren't allowed on the beach but there are plenty of sidewalks on the key for nice walks. Take your pooper scoop. And beware of crosswalks if you are driving. Let the residents and visitors cross or be prepared to pay the fine.
Customers often ask for additional pictures at a showing so my digital camera always accompanies me on showings too. Our customers often come from England, Canada or Italy and sometimes send photos home to spouses for review before writing a purchase contract. Sarasota MLS idx listings report almost 300 homes for sale on Siesta Key FL priced from the low millions to $17,500,000. Five hundred condos are for sale on Siesta Key currently and range from the high $100,000s to almost $3 million. Search Siesta Key homes.

Call Annette Smith for more information on Sarasota homes, Casey Key listings and condos for sale or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Siesta Key real estate.

Condos on Siesta Key at Hamilton Club

Condos on Siesta Key at Hamilton Club

Siesta Key Island Lifestyle

Enjoy your townhouse island condo, play tennis or take a boat ride. These Siesta Key condos at Hamilton are two story and seem like single family homes. Waterfront views are found in some of the complex's premier units. Hamilton Club is a short drive to the beach and Siesta Key Village.

Siesta Key FL is approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport

The Sarasota MLS currently lists only one Siesta Key condos at Hamilton Club for sale with a $895,000 list price. In a community with only 18 luxury homes behind majestic wrought iron gates, this 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath townhouse within a space of 2691 sq. ft. provides "large rooms, a bonus loft area" and much more. Bring your boat as there is a deeded boat dock too.
Private with lush tropical landscaping, Hamilton Club's luxury amenities include a heated pool and hard surface tennis courts.

Downtown Sarasota is an easy drive from your Hamilton Club condo. Shop, dine or just relax on Siesta Key. Try some restaurants on the mainland, go to a play or browse an art gallery just a short drive from your island home to the Sarasota mainland. Siesta Key's restaurants are great too. Try Broken Egg for a delightful breakfast. Sit by the water at Ophelia's or pull up with your boat, dock and find a table. Checking out pet policies at each building is very important because many condos do not allow pets. Your Sarasota realtor can give you this information. Hamilton Club allows 2 pets.

Call for more information on Sarasota homes and condos for sale or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Siesta Key Hamilton Club condos.

Longboat Key Condos at Beaches

Longboat Key Condos for Sale at Beaches

Longboat Key Florida Beachfront Living

Settle back in your oceanfront condo and listen to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico in your own residence. Most of these Longboat Key condos at Beaches have Gulf views and some are offered with Gulf and Bay views providing views of sunrise and sunset.
Longboat Key FL is approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport
The Sarasota MLS currently lists only 5 Longboat Key condos at Beaches for sale. Prices range from $639,000 for a 3 bedroom, 3 bath turnkey furnished condominium with 2183 sq.ft. to $1,199,000 for a totally remodeled 1524 sq.ft unit with full Gulf views.
Enjoy the convenience of a doorman and onsite manager at Beaches. Luxury amenities include Club house, elevator, fitness, kitchen, heated pool/spa and tennis courts. Beaches is a midrise building behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club.
St. Armands Circle or downtown Sarasota are easy drives from your Beaches condo. Shop, dine or participate in cultural events on the island or the mainland. Longboat Key's restaurants temp you too. Try Dry Dock and sit by the water for a relaxed meal, Euphemia Haye or Pattigeorge's for special occasions. Checking out pet policies at each building is very important because many buildings do not allow this family member. Your Sarasota realtor can give you this information. Beaches does not allow pets.
Call for more information on Sarasota Florida homes or check our websites for daily updates on condo listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information or information Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs to find more about Longboat Key Fl Beaches condos.